Langley Ladies struggle against Kempston in first taste of an artificial pitch

Langley struggled with the conditions and the complexities of the turf, while the hosts – who are unbeaten at home so far this season – were 2-0 up within the first 20 minutes.

At the other end, Kings’ Mary Hogan put a ball into the box but the Kempston keeper was equal to it.

A third goal was conceded just before the half hour mark, and but for Abbie Tarsey’s efforts in goal, it would have been more.

Fay McMullan’s glancing header beckoned a goal, but it lacked the power needed to beat the keeper.

It was a bit more of a determined Langley performance after the break, with McMullan going close to grabbing a goal for the visitors.

She saw her shot go just wide of the goal, while Hogan’s speculative looping shot was wide of the mark.

McMullan was a handful to the home defence on her Langley debut, and she managed to get another shot off but it didn’t breach the Kempston net.

Two late goals made the scoreline look a bit lop-sided, especially as Tarsey’s double save on 82 minutes showed spirit and fitness was still evident in the visitors.

Kings Langley Ladies are in action on Sunday when they entertain Broadhall Ladies. Kick-off is 2pm at High Street Green, Adeyfield.

Kings will be looking for a positive response, and should be aided by the return to a real grass playing surface.